By Joan Odafe
The Cross River Tourism Bureau (CRSTB) has assured stakeholders, including visitors that the state is fully prepared for the hosting of the 2025 Carnival Calabar.
The board said it has put in place expanded hotel capacity, improved airlift, enhanced security and upgraded tourism infrastructure.
Mr Ojoi Ekpenyong, Managing Director of CRSTB, gave the assurance in a statement on Monday, as the state marks 20 years of sustaining Carnival Calabar as an international cultural brand.
Ekpenyong said the carnival, which is widely regarded as Nigeria’s biggest street party, attracts thousands of local and international tourists every December.
According to him, the carnival is the flagship of the state’s tourism calendar with spillover events extending to destinations such as the Obudu Mountain Resort.
“Note that the government and people of Cross River are celebrating 20 years of sustaining an international brand – Carnival Calabar and Festival, ” he said.
Ekpenyong said as part of the preparations, the state government had strengthened its air connectivity through CallyAir with the acquisition of two new aircrafts.
This, he said, aimed at easing access to Calabar during the festive period.
He said that the government had prepared about 4,000 hotel rooms, and approved a grant to assist owners of hospitality facilities in the state to clean up their facilities.
He said the state had also invested in beautification and urban renewal, including early festive lighting across major roads, and the unveiling of one of the tallest Christmas light towers in Nigeria.
“So, the government is ready and the people are ready; our roads are wearing new looks with asphalt.
“There is introduction of VIP seats for our visitors during the biggest street party and the opening of the cinema this month at the Calabar Marina Resort,” Ekpenyong said.
He assured tourists of safety, noting that security remained a top priority of the state government before, during and after the carnival.
Ekpenyong, however, noted that the state’s version of Detty December started since Nov. 1 at the Christmas Village, and will run across multiple locations in Calabar, through the end of the year.
He said the grand finale of Carnival Calabar would hold on Dec. 29. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Folasade Adeniran
